Sponsor-based desktop customization as a revenue stream

Abstract

The specification describes a method for realizing revenue streams for computer manufacturers apart from hardware sales. More particularly, the specification discloses a method where personal computers are configured such that each user has an individual login capability, and each user may experience a different desktop theme and related overall customization. The end-user may select a particular theme, and each theme is based on the goods and/or services of a sponsor of that theme. The computer manufacturer realizes revenue initially for enabling the end -user to select particular themes, but also realizes a revenue for end-users selecting themes. Further, the specification discloses a method where computer manufacturers realize revenue by generation of internet traffic to, and electronic-commerce on, a sponsor's internet sites.

1. A method comprising:
 installing an operating system on a computer system; 
 installing a custom program by a computer manufacturer, the custom program provides sponsor-based customizations regarding operation of the operating system, the customizations advertising particular sponsors; and then 
 allowing a user to choose at least one sponsor-based customization; 
 applying the at least one sponsor-based customization; and 
 obtaining revenue by the computer manufacturer from a sponsor for each user who chooses at least one sponsor-based customization. 
 
     
     
       2. The method as defined in  claim 1  further comprising charging, by the computer manufacturer, the sponsor for each computer system in which the custom program is installed. 
     
     
       3. The method as defined in  claim 1  further comprising:
 wherein installing a custom program further comprises installing a custom program that monitors the computer system for an initial user logon; and 
 wherein allowing a user to choose at least one sponsor-based customization further comprises allowing the user to choose at least one sponsor-based customization contemporaneously the initial user logon. 
 
     
     
       4. The method as defined in  claim 1  further comprising applying the sponsor-based customization by selecting at least one selected from the group consisting of: a wallpaper setting; a cursor setting; and a screen saver. 
     
     
       5. The method as defined in  claim 1  further comprising:
 providing updates to at least one sponsor-based customization; and 
 allowing the user to selectively install the updates. 
 
     
     
       6. The method as defined in  claim 5  wherein providing updates further comprises downloading the updates to the user's computer prior to the allowing. 
     
     
       7. The method as defined in  claim 6  wherein allowing further comprises allowing the user to selectively install previously downloaded updates. 
     
     
       8. The method as defined in  claim 5  further comprising charging the sponsor for each update selected by the user.